A family had a lucky escape after hoverboard exploded “like a firework” in their home.

Dad John Hagan, 28, was left horrified after the device - bought as a Christmas present for his two young children - burst into flames.

The board was plugged into a socket in the kitchen of their Thornaby home and had only been charging for minutes when it ignited at around 8pm yesterday.

Luckily the family, including John’s partner Amy and their two children, Alfie, eight and Millie, six escaped unharmed.

Speaking of how the ordeal unfolded, John, a chemical engineering student, said: “A red light was flashing on the hoverboard and we couldn’t work out why, so we decided to leave it on charge for a bit.

The burnt out hoverboard (Image: Internet Unknown)

“I went in the other room to finish some course work when Amy came running in shouting that the board was smoking really bad.

“I jumped up and shouted for everyone to go outside, then I rang 999.

“The hoverboard was hissing like a firework and I knew at any moment it was going to go bang.”

Damage to the hoverboard plug

John, who is also a trained chef, grabbed a small fire extinguisher and tried to tackle the blaze himself.

He continued: “All of a sudden it popped and burst into flames. I put it out once but then it sparked again and blew.”

“Thankfully the fire brigade was here within minutes, so they were able to take over. We are just thankful we weren’t in bed when it happened.”

(Image: Evening Gazette)

John purchased the unbranded gadget online for around £180.

But now, in a stark warning to other parents, he is urging families to stop using the popular toy.

He said: “You think you are doing the right thing by buying your kids the latest gadgets but it will be never again for us.